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Where Everything is Grounded in God!Wed, 19 Dec 2018 17:48:20 +0000en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.3Difficult times for the city of Dallas, surrounding communities and our countryhttps://www.holygroundsshop.com/difficult-times-city-dallas-surrounding-communities-country/
https://www.holygroundsshop.com/difficult-times-city-dallas-surrounding-communities-country/#respondMon, 11 Jul 2016 13:10:48 +0000https://www.holygroundsshop.com/?p=2305Our sympathy, condolences and prayers go out to the families of the brave Dallas police officers that were gunned down last week.

In light of what took place in downtown Dallas Thursday evening, it is time for all of us to re-evaluate our involvement in the community around us. We cannot simply sit idly by and let lunatics with guns inflict pain and suffering, and then dictate how we live our lives. We must find the time (in our otherwise too busy lives) to reach out to others, no matter what the race, so that we can build and strengthen our communities and not allow events like these to accentuate fear and hate.

One way to get involved now, is to fully support the police officers in your community. They risk their lives on a daily basis to keep the peace and provide the quality of life we enjoy. Let them know you care and that you are praying for them. As we pull together behind these men and women, we will also feel a stronger sense of community.

Finally, all of us in the Christian community must be praying for healing and reconciliation for our country. This is a time for Christians to step up and lead this healing and reconciliation. We also need to pray for police officer’s discernment in the most difficult and stressful situations, and pray that they are trained and prepared effectively to make the right decision when lives are on the line.

In His Name,

Brad

]]>https://www.holygroundsshop.com/difficult-times-city-dallas-surrounding-communities-country/feed/0Glory Dayshttps://www.holygroundsshop.com/glory-days/
https://www.holygroundsshop.com/glory-days/#respondThu, 25 Feb 2016 16:15:43 +0000https://www.holygroundsshop.com/?p=2044Occasionally I will be reading and reviewing some of the books we carry at Holy Grounds. Currently I am reading Glory Days, Max Lucado’s new book. It’s based upon the life of Joshua and the triumphs and struggles faced by the Jews as he leads them out of the Wilderness and into the Promised Land. More importantly for us, throughout the book, author Lucado applies the trials and tribulations faced by the Jews, to our everyday life.

What many do not realize is that coming out of the Wilderness, the Jews continued to face challenges and struggles as they gradually moved into the Promised Land. It was not simply handed over to them by the Lord. Their faith was constantly tested before they received the full blessing of the Promised Land. But under the capable and faithful leadership of Joshua (primarily because he depended on the Lord), they came to realize their inheritance (Joshua 24:28).

Glory Days focuses on the the journey and how we can relate through our own struggles and problems of life. So often, we too become so focused on the negative aspect of the struggle that we miss what God is trying to teach us, and the future inheritance he wants us to claim.

One example in Chapter 6 is “remember what God has done”. When you are in the middle of a struggle that seems insurmountable at the time, and you know Satan is attacking and preying on your worst fear and insecurities, remember what God has done for you. “Satan has no recourse to your testimony” as author Lucado puts it. “Your best weapon against his attacks is a good memory. Don’t forget a single blessing.” God will see you through this struggle, and for the better.

Glory Days is Max Lucado at his best, providing insight into how to accomplish God’s best for your life!

In Christ,

Brad

]]>https://www.holygroundsshop.com/glory-days/feed/0Happy New Year with a heavy hearthttps://www.holygroundsshop.com/happy-new-year-with-a-heavy-heart/
https://www.holygroundsshop.com/happy-new-year-with-a-heavy-heart/#respondTue, 26 Jan 2016 04:57:47 +0000https://www.holygroundsshop.com/?p=1905Happy New Year and Greetings from all of us at Holy Grounds!

I will be committing to updating this blog at least once a month in the new year. I hope you will look forward to hearing from us, and more frequent updates as to what is going on at Holy Grounds throughout the year!

However, it is with heavy hearts that we start the new year. Within the last 2 weeks, both Liz and Nancy (previous owners of Holy Grounds, our mentors and dear friends) have experienced the loss of their mothers. And if that wasn’t enough loss to experience, over the past weekend Nancy’s family has also had to deal with the loss of Michael, Nancy’s son-in-law (Jill’s husband), who past away with a heart attack after having some health issues, while in Minnesota for Nancy’s mother’s funeral. They are still in Minnesota, trying to get back to Texas to plan another funeral, for Michael.

Please keep all of these families in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days and weeks. But especially Jill and her two young children, who’s lives will be forever changed. Thank the Lord that they have such a strong family surrounding them. Even then though, it won’t be easy for them and we hope and pray that the love of our Savior will eventually bring peace and some understanding to these dear ones.

Philippians 4:7- And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

]]>https://www.holygroundsshop.com/happy-new-year-with-a-heavy-heart/feed/0Merry Christmas from Beth and Bradhttps://www.holygroundsshop.com/merry-christmas/
https://www.holygroundsshop.com/merry-christmas/#respondMon, 07 Dec 2015 01:54:37 +0000https://www.holygroundsshop.com/?p=1833Beth and I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season, especially our Holy Grounds customers. This is our first Christmas as owners of Holy Grounds after taking over for Liz and Nancy, and it is a very exciting and busy time for us. This truly is the best time of the year, and being on Main Street in Grapevine, Texas, the Christmas Capital of Texas, only enhances that Christmas experience. I can’t say enough good things about the lights, decorations, music, people and festive atmosphere here on Main St. You must come and experience it!

But what I want to stress more than anything here today, is the reason for the season. And that is celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are amazed at his love and grace in our lives, that has led us to where we are today. Beth and I would love to tell you about what he has brought us through recently, and would also like to hear about what he has brought you through. Come by the store and ask to meet us, if you haven’t already.

My sweet Babycakes did something in her vacation Bible school that I want to share. It is always so hard to know what to do when there is someone on the street corner pan handling . If I give them money they might use it for drugs or alcohol. It is a tough call for a Christian that wants to do the will of God.

This summer Babycakes and her class all made manna bags to keep in their cars to pass out when there is a need. In her ziplock bag was a pair of clean socks, some apple juice, tuna fish, crackers, a granola bar and a sweet note. I love this and will be making my own manna bags! Matthew 25:35——Amen

As I walked into my church this morning I found myself apprehensive. I scanned the crowd looking for any sign of possible danger. This is my sanctuary—this is my place of peace—this is my home. I felt anger welling up in my soul. Not only did Dyllan Roof murder nine saints in Charleston, he instilled a sense of fear in me—-fear for every person, white, black, brown, old young, rich, poor, educated, uneducated entering a church building this morning.

As we began to sing our first hymn I became even more angry—this time with God.

“ O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, to every believer the promise of God;
the vilest offender who truly believes,
that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. “

How could Jesus EVER forgive this person. I don’t want to spend eternity with Dyllan Roof.
“In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.”

We were then asked to get on our knees and pray for Charleston.
As tears flowed freely down my cheeks my anger turned to hope—-my hope turned into faith—my faith turned into prayer.

“Sweet Jesus,
Please use Charleston to show the world Your Love. Help those affected personally heal and forgive. May the rest of us learn that every man, woman, and child is precious in Your sight. May what was said in that church and heard by Dyllan before his heinous crime permeate his soul. May he turn to You and find the peace that You promise.

I pray You will use this tragedy to unite all people to one cause—-
“Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;

And through the truth that comes from God, We all shall then be truly free.”

Amen

]]>https://www.holygroundsshop.com/the-first-sunday-after-charleston/feed/0Easy Recipes for the new Bridehttps://www.holygroundsshop.com/easy-recipes-for-the-new-bride/
https://www.holygroundsshop.com/easy-recipes-for-the-new-bride/#respondMon, 18 May 2015 12:31:04 +0000https://www.holygroundsshop.com/?p=1542Dear New Bride,

Please know feeding your man is a “Holy Privilege”. It is an intimate act. Preparing wholesome tasty foods fuels the body, soul and mind. A home is different from a house—-men usually do not know how to make a home—that is why women are called “home makers”. Men do not light candles—or arrange furniture —or buy throw pillows. Some men cook (like my son)—but most grill (be sure and get a good grill. )You cannot change men—-you can try, but decades of women will tell you it does no good. Accept what IS—you are marrying a MAN. Men can do dishes—but they will NOT see the crumbs on the countertop. So my advice is to learn to cook and clean the countertop yourself (or get a maid). Contentment is learning to love what you already have——and that is a hungry husband. TRUST ME.

There is nothing worse than coming home from work starving at 7pm and not knowing what is for dinner. (I am a working gal—I know these things.) There is nothing better than walking in the door and smelling a yummy meal!

Cooking is 80% planning and 20% work.You can do this part together.

On Sunday I make up a menu for the week and buy the ingredients. (this is the hard part.)
Cook enough for at least 2 nights when you cook.(I know you said you do not eat leftovers—-but what is the alternative (McDonalds)????
Get a rice cooker—-makes cooking rice and steaming veggies easy
Fill freezer with frozen veggies

My easy favorite crockpot recipes.

MUSHROOM CHICKEN
Put 1 large carton of mushrooms in bottom of crockpot
put 4 frozen chicken breast on top
cover with Pacific organic Cream of Mushroom soup
Add a pat of butter
cook on low for 8 hours
serve over rice or pasta with a salad

STEW
Saute stew meat and onions until brown
Add veggies (you can buy them already cut up at grocery)
add salt pepper and a can of organic peas (for liquid )
cook on low for 8 hours

BRISKET
Put trimmed brisket in crockpot
add one jar of Brothers Bar-B-Q sauce
cook on low for 8 hours
serve with can of beans and salad

TURKEY
One large turkey breast or whole chicken
sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper
cook on low for 8 hours (remove skin—-meat will be very tender)
Serve with veggies and rice

PORK
Put a pork tenderloin in crockpot
spread a little orange marmalade on top
garlic salt
cook for 8 hours on low
RED BEANS AND RICE
rinse a large bag of kidney beans and put in crockpot
add chopped onions, and lots of sausage (POLISH will work)
add a tablespoon of cajun seasoning
8 cups water
cook on low for 8 hours
serve with rice and salad
MEXICAN
Can of Hatch green chile enchilada sauce
pour over meat of your choice (pork—brisket—chicken)
cook on low for 8 hours (YUMMY)
Serve with canned refried beans and Central Market guacamole
(You can also buy Wholly Guacamole and keep it in your freezer)

Mix meat-egg-crumbs-spices
stuff peppers
put in crockpot and cover with soup -add rice
Cook on low for 8 hours
I have been married 43 years. This is the best advice I can give. It is given in love. Liz

When I was a child, and was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up the answer was always the same—— “A MOTHER”.

After college, marriage, and a successful career our precious daughter was born followed by two sons. I never looked back. I loved these kids. Of course it wasn’t always easy—sleepless nights—ear infections—4 AM hockey games, football injuries, teacher conferences, fender benders, and late night curfew arguments.

Those days were long—but the years so very short! All three are finished with school—have jobs—and are off the family payroll. I am a proud mom.

It has been said you never really know how successful a parent you were until you see your children parent their own children. When I hear my daughter sing lullabies, read stories, wipe snotty noses and wait patiently for the garbage truck (Charlie loves the garbage truck), I know I did OK for a mom. There is nothing more beautiful to me than to see my daughter love her children.

I loved being a mother. It is a holy privilege——I will always be a mother. It was too quiet after everyone moved out, but I adjusted and rested up for round two! God in His infinite wisdom designed something even more wonderful than being a mother——and that is being a grandmother! My life is full of sticky kisses, snuggles, giggles, parks, and cookies. The best part is there are no sleepless nights—ear infections—4 AM hockey games, football injuries, teacher conferences, fender benders, and late night curfew arguments.

I know now that what I really wanted to be when I grew up was A GRANDMOTHER!

It was a beautiful day in February—73 degrees and sunny. There were so many things I would have loved to do after church, but I am committed to visiting my mom in a memory care home on Sunday afternoons——-so I go out of duty—out of honor—out of guilt!

Many of the residents were gathered in the great room waiting for the music to begin. Each Sunday a dedicated musician comes for an hour and sings hymns. There are books of music passed out by the residents ——(compiled by the residents —in the kind of order one might expect in a memory care facility.)!

I sat there by my mom , who has always had an amazing voice, and kept my finger on the words to help her follow as we sang verse after verse. I was overcome by GRACE, tears poured down my face as I remembered being a child in elementary school in music class. We sang out of song books and I could never understand how to follow along. I read straight down instead of following the first verse down the page and then back to the top for the second verse. I had never sat in church with my mom, and learned how to read the hymnal!

This Sunday, as I sang with her, I felt like I had come full circle. I was like the mom lovingly teaching her child how to read the music. It was a blessing beyond measure. The frustrations of the past melted away and were replaced with gratefulness. God is so good—He is just so good.